Newspaper from May. 3, 1865

Newspaper Article - Secretary Seward and Abraham Lincoln

  • Full Title

    Newspaper Article - Secretary Seward and Abraham Lincoln

  • Description

    A short report in the Texas State Gazette about the possible murderers of Mr. Seward and his sons. There is also a brief mention about the autopsy and funeral of Mr. Lincoln, as well as a speech Lincoln gave just days before his assassination.

  • Transcription

    Washington, April 15-No confirmation of the report that the murderers have been caught. The National Intelligencer Ext a says, that from the evidence obtained it is highly probably that the man who stabbed Mr. Seward and his sons, is John Suratt, of Prince George county, Maryland.

    The Governor of New York revoked his proclamation appointing a day of thanksgiving.

    At Cincinnati the indignation against the secessionists is very great. Junius Brutus Booth, announced to appear Pike’s Opera House, this night, (the 15th) it is understood was compelled to leave the city.

    The autopsy of the body of Lincoln was made by Surgeon General Barnes and Dr. Stone, assisted by other leading surgeons. The coffin was made of maghogany covered with black cloth, and lined with satin. The body was embalmed, and several locks of the President’s hair clipped for the use of his family. A sliver plate on the lid of the coffin, immediately over the breast, contained the following inscription:

    "Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States. Born July 12 1809; died April 15 1865."

    Lincoln is said to have made a liberal conservative speech but a few days before his death. The Cairo Daily Democrat of 16th, an opponent of Lincoln, says that this speech would have met the views of the Southern people as it had the Northern conservatives. The intention was to offer such liberal terms to the South that the people could honorably accept. The Democrat deplores the sad event which has postponed the era of good feeling. Stanton, also, it seems, made a very narrow escape.

    From the subjoined correspondence, it will be seen that Mobile has been evacuated and occupied by the enemy:

    Mayor’s office, city of Mobile, April 12- Gentlemen; I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, at the hands of Lt. Col. R. G. Laughlin, of the staff of Maj. General Granger, commanding the 13th Army Corps, and Lt. commanding, S. R. Franklin U.S. Navy, staff of Admiral Thatcher, demanding the immediate and unconditional surrender of this city.

    The city has been evacuated by the military authorities and its municipal authority is now under my control. Your demand has been granted and I trust, gentlemen, for the sake of humanity all the safeguards which you can throw around them will be secured to them.

    Very respectfully, your obedient serv’t,

    (Signed,) R. H. SLOUGH

  • Source

    Austin History Center, Texas State Gazette microfilm

  • Rights

    Use of this item for research, teaching and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please contact The Austin History Center. For reproduction information please visit this web page.

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  • Cite this Item

    R.H. Slough. "Newspaper Article - Secretary Seward and Abraham Lincoln". Texas State Gazette. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/480